Fueling Up Just Got Tastier!

Georgia’s latest business move is something to chew on…literally! Atlanta-based RaceTrac is acquiring Potbelly Sandwich Shop for a whopping $566 million. Yep, your go-to spot for gas, coffee, and late-night snacks is stepping into the fast-casual restaurant game! With hundreds of stores across 14 states, RaceTrac has been a Southeast staple for decades, while Potbelly, born in Chicago, operates more than 445 sandwich shops nationwide. The merger is expected to close by the end of 2025—and it says a lot about where Georgia businesses are headed. 

For one thing, this move proves that Georgia companies aren’t just playing small ball anymore. RaceTrac is already a giant in the convenience store world, with a 2024 revenue of $17 billion. By snatching up Potbelly, they’re leveling up into a whole new space: fast-casual dining. That’s a smart move at a time when the lines between “grab-and-go,” “dine-in,” and even grocery shopping are starting to blur. It’s no longer just about filling up your tank—it’s about making RaceTrac a bigger part of your everyday life.

It’s also a big step for growth. Potbelly has been looking to expand, and with RaceTrac’s deep pockets, strong logistics, and Southern business roots, that growth could speed up. More stores mean more jobs—whether that’s in sandwiches or in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running. And for Atlanta, this deal puts another spotlight on the city as home to bold, ambitious companies that don’t mind thinking bigger.

There’s also a bigger trend at play here. Georgia-based brands have been pushing into new territory for years—just look at Coca-Cola branching into coffee or Chick-fil-A testing out futuristic “to-go” kitchens! RaceTrac’s dive into the restaurant game fits right in. It’s about staying fresh, reaching younger customers, and proving that Georgia businesses can compete far beyond their backyard.

So the next time you bite into a Potbelly sandwich, remember: you’re not just getting lunch—you’re tasting a piece of Georgia’s growing business story. With this $566 million deal, RaceTrac is showing the country that local companies can dream big and still stay rooted in the Peach State.

Sink your teeth into more delicious news at www.gbj.com/food-drink!